Transcriptome analysis reveals delaying of the ripening and cell‐wall degradation of kiwifruit by hydrogen sulfide

BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a known signaling molecule in plants, which has the ability to delay fruit ripening. Our previous studies have shown that H2 S treatment could delay the maturation of kiwifruits by inhibiting ethylene production, improving protective enzyme activities, and decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species to protect the cell membrane during storage. The mechanism related to the way in which H2 S affected kiwifruit maturation was still unclear. We performed transcriptome sequencing to explore the influences of H2 S on the softening of kiwifruit. RESULTS The firmness and the soluble solids content (SSC) of the kiwifruit were significantly better maintained with H2 S treatment compared to the control during the storage period (P